Make a Vintage-Inspired Tinsel Ornament Garland

This DIY tinsel garland is sure to make your mantel, banister or sideboard a focal point with its rich, layered fabrics and festive holiday shimmer.
Tinsel Garland
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Materials

  • gold tinsel (various shades)
  • clear plastic ornaments (large and small)
  • 2 yards red ribbon
  • 9' gold cord
  • fabric strips
  • measuring tape
  • scissors
  • needle nose pliers
  • wire cutters
  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue sticks

Cut Tinsel

Using scissors, cut little sections of tinsel and set aside (Image 1). If you're using tinsel wire, use wire cutters to snip into small pieces, then use needle nose pliers to bend each section into a ball shape (Image 2).

Add Tinsel to Ornaments

Remove the tops of the ornaments and add pieces of tinsel inside (Image 1). You'll want to place several pieces into each ornament to get the full effect. Replace the tops of the ornaments (Image 2).

Tie Ornaments Onto Garland

Once you have the ornaments prepped (Image 1), begin tying them onto the gold cord to create a garland. Tape one end of the cord to your table and slide ornaments on (Image 2). Secure the first ornament with a small piece of ribbon to keep it from sliding around (Image 3). Do this every so often as you add more ornaments to the garland (Image 4), then tie the very last ornament into place. 

Cut Fabric Strips and Ribbon

Using scissors, cut a variety of ribbons and coordinating fabrics into 2x18-inch-long strips. The more varied the fabrics' colors and textures, the better.

Tinsel Ornament Garland

Tinsel Ornament Garland - Cut Fabric Strips and Ribbon

Using scissors, cut a variety of ribbons and coordinating fabrics into 2x18 inch long strips. The more varied the fabrics' color and texture, the better!

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Create Fabric Swags

Cut 12 inches of ribbon and tape one end to the table. Using a slip knot, tie each ribbon or fabric swatch onto the red ribbon. Add ribbons and fabric until you get a layered, textured look. Repeat to create a second swag.

Tinsel Ornament Garland

Tinsel Ornament Garland - Create Fabric Swags

Roll out, then cut 12 inches of ribbon and tape one end to the table. Next, using a slip knot, tie each ribbon or fabric swatch onto the red ribbon. Add ribbons and fabric until you get a layered, textured look. Repeat to create a second swag.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Hang Garland and Swags

Knot the ends of the gold cord and hang the garland across the mantel using adhesive hooks and gold cord (Image 1). Next, hang the fabric swags on each side of the garland (Image 2).

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